There is no better source to find the best trails any time of year than the locals who live and drive them from season to season. With summer behind us and fall here, under-the-radar trails with great autumn sunset views are calling. We put together a list of three locally-loved, widely underrated trails to inspire you to make this Fall your most adventurous to date.

Signal Peak, Soda Springs, California

Signal Peak 4x4 trail in Tahoe National Forest may not be the longest or most challenging trail you hit this fall, but the view from the top overlooking the Yuba River Canyon and Sierra Crest is enough to make you sleep in your rig just so you can see the sunrise.

The 11-mile trail sees little traffic, so you better be equipped to handle a breakdown on your own. 4x4’s can drive all the way to the 7,841-foot summit of Signal Peak. The forest setting of the trail breaks in to open skies at the tree-line, but unfortunately cell phone towers sit on top of the peak. One would think the towers are how Signal Peak got its name, but locals will tell you different. If you drive up to Signal Peak, you’ll come across a random abandoned building that once served as an outpost to warn (or signal) passing trains when avalanche conditions were high.

Signal Peak trail is a point-to-point trail, and locals swear the trail is better done in reverse. Steep, rocky sections will keep a spotter busy, that’s for sure. Lifted 4x4’s and the right tires are strongly recommended, especially on the Eagles Lake side of the trail. The Baja MTZp3 tire from Mickey Thompson features a unique four-pitch tread pattern that grips extreme terrain, just like the terrain you will be tested with on the way to the summit. And, if you can bring yourself to come back down Signal Peak after soaking up the incredible views and fresh air, the self-cleaning high-void tread pattern and angled shoulder scallops of the Baja MTZ p3provide the added traction you’ll need as you traverse down the trail and back to reality, paved roads and all.

Red Cone Trail, Pike National Forest, Colorado

You can’t beat Colorado trails in the fall. In fact, a lot of Colorado 4x4ers swear the best time of year to go off-roading is after the days start getting shorter and before the snow flies. The shorter days make for incredible sunsets that seem to never end as the sun takes it time falling behind the Rockies. And the Rockies make for incredible off-road trails, including the underrated (and lightly trafficked) Red Cone Trail in Pike National Forest.

Red Cone Trail is best-known for the aggressively steep three-quarter mile long, one-way descent from the top of Red Cone down to Webster Pass. With some edges over 1,000 feet down steep slopes, Red Cone trail is not for those who don’t appreciate heights. The 20-mile loop trail can give inexperienced drivers trouble with loose rocks and obstacles, and Red Cone Trail isn’t a busy trail, especially in the fall, so come prepared to handle a breakdown.

The steep descent to Webster pass is downhill only, drivers who attempt to turn around after getting in over their heads can damage the trail and cause it to close, so don’t be that guy. Get the right equipment on your 4x4 and pay extra attention to your tires. The loose rock and steep descent of Red Cone Trail will only be tackled with an aggressive off-road tire. Mickey Thompson’s Baja Claw TTC extreme mud terrain tires are perfect for whatever Red Cone throws your way. Trust us, you are going to be glad you have the unique 23-degree tread pattern found only on the Baja Claw TTC when you’re challenging your rig down Red Cone. Huge directional Sidebiters on the Baja Claw TTC provide superior sidewall protection and make it the ultimate extreme traction tire, built to handle whatever unpredictable Colorado has in store for you. Late afternoon thunderstorms can seemingly come out of nowhere and disappear just as fast as they pass the mountain range. Watch out for washouts and changing conditions, and pack for temperatures to change drastically from mid-day to early evening.

Big Levels to Blue Ridge, George Washington National Park, Virginia

Big Levels to the Blue Ridge may offer beautiful scenic views, but it can get ugly, quick. The rocky terrain makes for slow going on this 19-mile trail, but the view at Bald Mountain about 5 miles in is a great spot to stop and take in the fall colors of Virginia’s George Washington National Park. Multiple tributary trails offshoot the main trail, most of them are more-technical and they typically rejoin the main trail… so if you’re looking for a full-day of fun, Big Levels will keep you entertained. The jury is still out on which direction is best to take this point-to-point trail, but everyone agrees it’s worth doing twice to find out. Lots of hairpin switchbacks (many mildly off-camber) will keep you paying attention and on your toes.

Large puddles form with heavy rains so be prepared to get muddy depending on conditions and keep an eye out for flash flood conditions. To best tackle deep mud puddles, put the right tires on your 4x4. This trail doesn’t necessarily require huge tires to complete, but those who ride it all year long will tell newcomers to put mud terrain tires on, no matter what time of year.
The rugged Deegan 38 mud terrain tire by Mickey Thompson is a good match for the mud-filled puddles and rocky terrain of Big Levels trail. The high-tensile, 2-ply body cord of the Deegan 38 bolsters durability reduces the weight of the tire and improves the overall ride. And just like the valleys and hills of Big Levels, the Deegan 38 is versatile. A wider outer-void and angled shoulder scallops featuring Mickey Thompson’s proprietary SideBiters deliver impressive traction, while a tighter inner-void with large surface area elements give drivers improved handling and a quiet ride.